North Dakota Governor signs gender-care ban for minors into law

(Bismarck, ND) -- Gender-Affirming care for minors is now banned across North Dakota. 

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum signed House Bill 1254 into law, which bans various procedures for minors that could be used for gender-affirming care. This includes the banning of puberty blockers and multiple surgical procedures. Health care providers who conduct the procedures can be found guilty of a class B felony if convicted. The law is now in effect. 

Organizations from across the political spectrum are reacting to the legislation. Katie Christensen, North Dakota State Director of Planned Parenthood, said '“Harmful legislation further stigmatizes, isolates, and negates the lived experiences of gender diverse people. Gender-expansive youth and their families deserve our support," in opposition to the bill. That message is in contrast to a statement made by Terry Schiling, the President of the American Principles Project, who said, "“The transgender industry is committing medical malpractice on a massive scale... For years now, ideologically captured medical practitioners have been offering dangerous, experimental drugs and procedures to vulnerable individuals in mental distress, with little to no regard for their long-term health," in favor of the bill's passing. 

The bill does account for some exceptions; including for any minors who are receiving gender affirming care prior to its signing. Other exceptions include minors who have "irresolvably ambiguous" biological sex characteristics, and if a physician has determined the minor does not have a normal sex chromosome structure for a male or female.